XJ 550 Maxim to 55mph

Are these 550's supposed to be hard to get up to 55? I was only getting up to around 6k in each gear before shifting, and it was taking forever to get up to speed. I did notice a little bit of difference if I pushed closer to 8k. I've read somewhere on here that these things are geared kind of slow in the lower rev range and better at higher rpm's. Do I just need to wind each gear out more to see a difference? On one shift from 2nd to 3rd, I thought I heard the engine start to open up (reminded me of the vtec on my honda civic kicking in) but I backed off thinking it was me over revving or something. Sorry if this sounds retarded, just want to know if I'm shifting like a wimp or if I don't have the power I should.

 

Dude.

Maxim or Seca, the 550 just comes on at 6 grand.

RUN that bad boy; run it to 8K, 9K, redline it in third; the 550 makes PEAK power AT redline, 10K. This is a racebike for the street, forerunner of the modern 600cc superbikes.

80 is no problem; 105 is no problem; if you wind it up a bit. I regularly cruise at 80 on my way to work, no problems whatsoever. The "official" cruising RPM is 5000. The motor loves revs.

The 550 is a quick little bike but you do have to wind it up and row that gearbox (that's why it's a 6-speed.) Ride it like it was a 2-stroke.

If the bike is properly tuned and you have the carbs right, it should be a little rocket. Streak-flash-bang! It should run through first thru third almost as fast as you can shift. WARNING: Do NOT grab a full handful of throttle in first gear, it can wheelie out from under you when it hits 6 Grand.

***I'm talking about stock airbox and exhaust, valves adjusted, carbs cleaned and sync'ed, and running 100%.***

 

mmhmm, a turd before 6000 rpm

 

That's all good to know! I was starting to think I was only running on 3 cylinders of something! I'll try to get home before sunset tomorrow and ride it a little more aggressively and see how it does. Have to admit, going from a 125cc to this is kind of intimidating. I HAVE to redline each gear on the 125 to get up to 55mph, lol, so I guess I assumed I wouldn't have to push this one hard. I also considered that the speedo might not be acting right, because it seemed like I was going pretty damn fast, lol. Still trying to pop my speed cherry for the highway.

Thanks for the replies!

 

you could be running on 3 cylinders, lick your finger and touch the pipe real quick for each cyl

 

Ahem.

Schootums, you actually RIDE your chopper-bobber-Hondaha the 64 miles down here and I'll actually let you take a properly tuned XJ550R for a ride. (Adult supervised, of course.)

THEN you can talk.

Not a "turd" just a nice civilized little bike; the power curve goes Everest at 6000 is all. The 550 motor makes twice as much power at 10K than it does at 6K. If you can shift it quick enough to keep it between 8K and 10K you better be pointed where you want to go.

Seriously though; I bought my first 550 as a commuter and it works great for that. It's just big enough to have no problem at all running any highway speed necessary in "normal" traffic (up to 90mph) without extra effort, plus they're really stable bikes (once you've overhauled the suspension.)

But you do have to get used to the idea of turning 7K, 8K, in traffic. When I'm rolling in morning stop-n-go and it's cycling between 55mph and ALL STOP I never let the tach drop below 4K so I can punch ahead if necessary. It just takes some getting used to (and I don't understand how the loud-pipe guys do it.) The stock system is just a sweet jet sound at 7200rpm.

 

Sweet! I'll do some more experimenting with how I shift. Schooter, I'll try the cyclinder test also, but you better be ready to pm me a band-aid if I burn my tender little finger, lol.

 

When cold I start the bike and then touch the pipes. They should all get hot REALLY quick, so do it right after you start it. If one of them doesn't heat up as quickly or not at all, there's your problem.

 

lol, yeah, revved it like you said bigfitz, scared the hell out of me, he he, and I could tell it isn't tuned like it should be. What it is doing, is losing all power right before I come to a stop after downshifting. Normally starts right back up, but is still weird, had to push it a couple hundred yards back to the house and then it fired right up again, electrical? Haven't done the fuse box yet or went through looking at all the connections, grounds, etc., but now I will start. Anything specific that I should be looking for that you all have ran into?

ps also, after losing power, there gauges are off, no neutral light will come on when searching for it with the shifter, and when I hit the start button at that time, the red oil light flickers. Eventually, usually rolling back and forth a little, I'll find neutral and the light will pop back on, then start (tonight with choke for some reason even though it was warm) then away I go again. weird.....

 

will it idle?
It could be dying if the idle screw is set too low.
As for "rocking back and forth to hit Neutral " that's normal
on mine.

 

Once it starts, it will idle, but tonight, with the choke on then die again. Once I got home a few minutes later after pushing, was acting the same (using choke to start and then dying). I rocked it some, put the reserve tank on and it fired right up and idled smooth without the choke.

 

Do you know where the idle adjustment screw is?
If not, look behind the rack about middle way you will see a knob. Turn it clock wise to set the idle up some.

More ideas coming.

 

It kinda sounds like a possible float level problem. The bowls are going dry and then it lets enough fuel in to start but not enough to run.

 

It kinda sounds like a possible float level problem. The bowls are going dry and then it lets enough fuel in to start but not enough to run.

 

It kinda sounds like a possible float level problem. The bowls are going dry and then it lets enough fuel in to start but not enough to run.

 

Is it normal to hear air being sucked in on the right side of the block? I know near the airbox I should hear it, but on the right side of the block has me wondering if I'm pulling in extra air through one of these boots between the carbs and block? took a video of it, trying to figure out how to get it on youtube or something like that. Maybe a guru here can tell me what they hear when the bikes running and getting revved.

 

Oh, and I noticed, with bike off at least, throttle does not "snap" back when turned on grip, did I read that it should somewhere? If so, what does that mean and how to I address it? Sorry to keep asking so many questions.....

 

Awwright, hold the phone.

You're RIDING riding this thing? Not just a quick test?

Have you pulled the rear brake apart yet, to check for delamination? This one's critical, if it happens at the wrong moment you could get seriously hurt or worse: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

What is the condition of the chain and sprockets? Do you know how to tell if they're dangerously worn?

Yes, the throttle should return with some "snap."

The symptoms you're describing with the dying on you could be a flaky sidestand switch, a problem with the original fusebox (if it still has it) or simply a loose connection somewhere.

PLUS carburetion; float levels and sync.

No, you shouldn't really "hear air being sucked in" anywhere (except maybe the airbox) you need to do a careful inspection of the carb/intake boot/cylinder head area for any obvious issues, and then do a vacuum leak test using an unlit propane torch or starting fluid.

You need to keep something in mind: This is an old motorcycle, not an '82 Chevy. You can't just start riding around on it, there are things you need to attend to, inspect, clean, adjust BEFORE you start riding it.

When an old car breaks down, you coast to the side of the road and bust out the cell phone. If the wrong thing on an old motorcycle fails at the wrong time, you may not end up coasting anywhere-- and it could kill you.

You seriously need to read this: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=24010.html and get your head around the process. I don't want to see anyone get hurt or worse.

Start looking for a manual.

 

Yes, checked the rear brakes before I rode it more than just in the yard. I'm only riding it up and down the street in front of my house, not going into traffic or on the highway, but I hear what you're saying and will not take any chances. I've posted a video on youtube (sorry about the quality) and I'm hoping someone can listen to the engine and tell me if they hear anything weird or whatever.

Thanks for all your input!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx0zbWXEH6c

 

HOW did you check the rear brake? Remove the wheel and inspect the shoes?

If not, that IS JOB ONE. There is no way to tell other than direct visual inspection.

Then FRONT brake fluid, hoses (4-year life span,) pads, and how old are the tires?

 

Yes, removed rear wheel and took brakes off, inspected drum, shoes and pads. They need replaced because they look like shit compared to new ones, but safety-wise, I'm happy and didn't see any sign of delamination or anything to suggest that they will fail. I have yet to mess with the front brakes, they have decent pads and fluid looks ok, but I didn't know about the lines needing replaced every 4 years so I'll add that to the list. I don't plan on riding it more than just around the house and neighborhood until I am done servicing the brakes, chain, and possibly sprockets, and of course the electrical system. I don't like to push, lol and sure as hell like living and being in one piece. I appreciate your comments big and want you to know that I take them to heart and my family would probably thank you as well!

 

No worries. Get yourself a manual and get busy; you've got a bit of a long road ahead getting it safe AND reliable. I've completed two of these, I know exactly what's entailed. (Check my gallery.)

I got worried when you started talking about acceleration and shifting, etc.

Now, how old are the tubeless tires? (Sorry, the "safety" thing again...)

 

I'm looking for the date codes now in order to identify, I'll let you know how old they are and see what you think. How far are you from Muskegon? I have family up there that I haven't see in a good while.

 

Hey macros, I believe that it's an insurance company fact that most accidents happen to people within five blocks from their home, so don't think just riding around the block is any safer than taking a bike out on the hiway. Kids, dogs, basketballs, cars backing out of driveways etc. You never know when it'll happen. Also, trying to get the bike up to higher RPM's to see how it shifts in a neighbourhood is a good way to alienate your neighbours and get the attention of the FUZZ. (showing my age)
I took my old race bike up and down the street a couple of times just to warm it up before an oil change one time and the guy that lives about 4 doors down came out into the middle of the street and told me what he thought of me. I wasn't revving the thing hard, but you know what, he was right I should have just started it and let it idle up to temp in my garage with the door open.
Your best and safest bet is once you have the bike in order take a friend, go find a warehouse that's closed on weekends that has enough room to practice acceleration and braking. The friend is there to call an ambulance in case you have a get off or at least dust you off if it's minor.

 

Maxim, you are showing your age bro, lol, "fuzz" and "dustoff" in the same paragraph, lol, damn. I'm among kindred spirits, lol. I totally get what you're saying and was thinking the same things. I just need to suck it up, quit being an impatient little punk, lol, and get the bike right, then, as you say, load it up and go with a friend to a place that I can test it wearing all the gear I have and see how well of a job I did. I just got caught up in it all, you know, first real street bike, cool as hell like from back in my high school days, really loved these bikes, lol, but yeah, will slow it down and do the right thing. Thanks you guys for keeping me in check, I appreciate it.

p.s. lol, too much rum/coke, I was seeing "dust-off" as like a medi-vac, guess I'm showing my age now! But your words ring true, thanks again!

 

Ahhhh, another Rum and Coke man, thought your typing looked familiar. Lambs Navy, two cubes, Rum to the top of the cubes, add Coke to personal flavour.

\*/ \*/


Cheers!

 

Now how in the heck did you know the exact measurement that I use? lol, switch the brand for the cheap Admiral Nelson, and we are on the same page, lol. If I'm ever in your AO, I'll definitely toss a few back with you man.